Swarthmore College graduates moving on

SWARTHMORE -- As Nolan Gear spoke, representing the 374 Swarthmore College Class of 2012 graduates, he acknowledged those traditionally in line for thanks: Parents, siblings, recent professors and first teachers. He also thanked the college staff, who "made our campus gorgeous."

While the facilities, and even the Scott Arboretum and Amphitheater, may not appear on any of the graduates' resumes, it was clear the environment has added to the impact of their education.

"It's hard to believe in a space so sunny and benign that the future is not so rosy," said Gear.

The future and individual paths are clearly themes of any commencement, but Gear concluded his lively and enlightened address with a quote from writer, producer and comedian Mel Brooks, who said, "We should now ourselves more."

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President Rebecca Chopp echoed two of Gear's observations. She said that added to recognition of Swarthmore's achievements in academics, green building, student activism and community involvement, the college has been chosen as one of the country's most beautiful.

Chopp added that she would like to slow down the graduation process itself for a greater reflection on "Swarthmore-style leadership" and the core values of critical thinking, creative reframing of ideas, thinking out of the box, listening deeply and envisioning new ways forward. She pointed to the three alumni receiving honorary degrees as exemplifying those characteristics.

The pool from which Swarthmore draws for its annual honorary degree awards is extraordinary in its depth and diversity. Each of the three honorees set, by example, remarkable standards for the graduates.

Lottie Bailyn, a 1951 graduate, is a professor at MIT's Sloan School of Management whose work centers on technical and managerial professionals, and has dealt with such workplace innovations as telecommuting, flexible scheduling, family benefits and work redesign.

"The beauty of this place never changes," Bailyn said from the stage, "but had I looked out on my own commencement 61 years ago, I would not have seen the diversity here today. We had one black student in my class."

Despite changes in the last six decades, Bailyn said, "Gender equity is not around the corner. We need a new agenda for women and men. We need your help. We did a lot, but not enough."

Frank Easterbrook, a member of the Class of 1970, is the chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and a professor at the esteemed University of Chicago Law School.

Easterbrook is noted for his use of economic analysis of law, his legalist approach to judicial interpretation, for his clear writing style, and for being one of the most prolific judges of his generation.

Easterbrook spoke on the rate of disagreement of court decisions, saying it was not a matter of ideology or politics. His address indirectly alluded to Chopp's leadership skill references.

Judy Richardson's arrival at Swarthmore with the Class of 1966 was the quintessential right place at the right time.

Admitted on a four-year scholarship, Richardson almost immediately became involved with the Swarthmore Political Action Committee.

That led her quickly into civil rights efforts and joining the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.

She left Swarthmore in her sophomore year, joining the committee and fully committing to a life activism through film-making, writing and lecturing.

"I'm amazed I'm up here," Richardson said joyously.

Reflecting on the first organization she joined at Swarthmore, Richardson said there were issues that "split the campus in two." But Swarthmore provided the space for that dialogue without interference.

Richardson's message was not that of advice, but of example to those taking the next step.

"I'm not going to tell you what to do. Hopefully, you will figure that out on your own. But find your passion. That's what keeps you going. Everything I've done since has been influenced by the gateway I found here. Swarthmore provided the open environment that changed my life forever."